congratulations on your new addition. Good advice above. Definitely recommend crate training. Great for housebreaking, but also nice to be able to go out and not worry about what the dog might be getting into. It's priceless when travelling as well.

Hi Marie, welcome to the forum! I have to agree that Christmas day is not a good time to introduce the puppy to the family & love Karen's suggestion. There will be plenty of excitement without the holiday involved, believe me! Puppies are overwelmed very easily and you want him to feel as safe and comfortable as possible. Training early is super important...I thought I could do a good job myself but a series of incidents with other dogs has caused Ozzie (already an extremely sensitive guy) to be fearful and a bit aggresive with other dogs and, sometimes people. Now I am paying a personal trainer and it is not cheap! Part of the the importance of training is teaching your family how to train, what to expect from your dog and timing (Very Important!) I'm sure your daughter will learn a lot! I think 11 is a great age, both of them can learn a lot from each other! Good luck what ever you decide to do but do post pictures please and let us know how it goes

I won't sell a puppy that will go between the week prior and the week after Christmas. I do let the family come pick out their puppy, take pictures and tell them to wrap up a lead, collar and toys, etc for the puppy. It's much better to bring a puppy home when things are nearer to normal. I think everybody else has given good advice so won't repeat. Glad to have you hear and do post alot of pictures.

Well, I agree that Christmas is a hectic time but disagree that you wait to give your daughter her puppy. What a wonderful Christmas morning surprise for her!

It shouldn't be about a wonderful surprise for a human family member... better that there is no surprise at all when the puppy arrives. Dogs and puppies easily pick up on a highly emotionally charged situation, whether it is positive or negative emotions. There will be enough excitement JUST over the puppy's arrival, without the "Christmas present" aspect.

The arrival of a puppy into a new family is enough upheaval for a small puppy, all on its own, without the added chaos of coming into a Christmas household, with all the REALLY puppy-unsafe things around at that point. Without close confinement, it is hard to keep a puppy safe and still in the same rooms the family is using at Christmas.

Do some people get away with it? Of course. But it is luck not planning, and it is NOT in the best interests of the animal.

thanks again for all of the advice everyone !
I wil have more questions in the future. I am still giving puppy to daughter for Christmas, but rest assured he will not be neglected. I also have my husband and 2 clean cut high school boys to help out. This entire family has been looking forward to a owning a dog for a long time, and please know that he will be in a loving ,stable home, even on Christmas : )

Please take lots of photos and video of your daughters face. I remember as a 12 year old when my parents surprised us with a dog. My father took me with him to the breeder to pick her up. I couldn't speak i was so happy. The breeder put that dog in my arms and I cried I was so happy. I wouldn't let her go! It is a moment I will never ever forget!

Congratulations on your new pup!Many years ago, well about 37 years ago my youngest sister received a Cocker Spaniel pup on Christmas day,and it was fantastic!There was no problem at all,every one was calm around him,and he got to have plenty of gentle attention,so it was good socialising for him.I think it all depends upon how hectic your day is going to be,and how many visitors you are having.So have a happy day!

hi !! so her eyes were as big as saucers and brimming with tears ! The "best gift and Christmas she has ever had" !
Would not trade that moment for anything : ). No name yet , but she likes Lincoln and Buttons----

I hope I upload pictures right ---
2 of my puppy, one of me last week , so you can put a face on a name : )